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Perfect Phrases for ESL Everyday Situations

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The Library
The local public library used to be a place that loaned books to adults and children and offered occasional lectures and story hours. Today’s libraries often provide so many services that they function as community centers. Not only are libraries the sites for unlimited services, programs, and materials, but librarians and others who work in libraries are highly trained. They are helpful and knowledgeable about what their library offers and where to start looking for whatever you may need to know. The local public library is a wonderful place to start your search for help in many areas.
Libraries offer lectures on numerous topics, book signings for local authors and others, self-help programs and activities, and a broad array of children’s programs. Additionally, they may partner with other community organizations to bring concerts and other cultural activities to the area.
Phrases You May Hear at the Library
image    May I help you?
image    Would you like a library card?
image    In addition to your library card application, we need a current driver’s license.
image    You can search for titles using this online catalog.
image    This book is overdue.
image    The fine is___________(50 image, $1.25, amount).
image    We don’t have that book right now.
image    Would you like to be on the waiting list for that book?
image    This is a reference book. You may read it here but cannot check it out.
image    We can get a book from any library in___________(the system, the county, the state).
image    Do you want us to check which library might have the book you want and___________(order it, get it, have it sent here) for you?
image    Do you need help with___________(the computer, the copy machine)?
image    The restrooms are located on the second floor.
image    I can help you find___________(the large-print book section, the CD collection, our DVD shelves, today’s lecture room).
image    Are you on our mailing list?
Phrases You May Hear at the Library: Disciplinary
image    Please___________(be quiet, keep your voice down).
image    Please turn off your cell phone.
image    I’m sorry; this is a no-smoking building.
image    Please, no food or drink is allowed in the library.
Phrases to Say at the Library: General Services
image    I’d like to get a library card.
image    What are your hours?
image    Are you closed on___________(name of a holiday, Sundays, weekends)?
image    I live at___________(your address). Do you have a branch closer to my home?
image    How can I receive your newsletter?
image    Do you have a website?
image    When are these books due?
image    May I just return these books in the book drop? They are not overdue.
image    This book was due last week. What is the fine?
image    Do you have___________(title of a book)?
image    Do you have a waiting list for that book?
image    Where are the___________(cookbooks, travel books, large-print books, nonfiction books, foreign-language books, novels, children’s books)?
image    Do have___________(yesterday’s newspaper, the Philadelphia Inquirer)?
image    Do have magazines? Where?
image    Do you have audiobooks?
image    Do you have a book club?
image    How do I check out an e-book?
image    Do you have books in foreign languages?
image    Do you have books about starting a small business?
image    May I take one of these library maps?
image    Do you have a photocopier?
Many people like to listen to audiobooks while they drive or do housework. People with vision or eye problems also listen to audiobooks.
Phrases to Say at the Library: Digital Services
image    I would like to use a computer. Is there a charge for this?
image    How long may I stay on the computer?
image    Can I print from this computer? Is there a charge for printing?
image    Do you have Wi-Fi so I can use my laptop?
image    Do you offer computer classes? When? What do they cost?
Phrases to Say at the Library: Special Programs
image    I read about children’s programs. Can you tell me more?
image    When are the children’s story hours?
image    Do you have a summer reading program for children?
image    I’m interested in my family history. Do you have a genealogy section?
image    Do you offer___________(English classes, English conversation classes, ESL, ESOL, citizenship classes)? What do they cost?
image    May I have a schedule for (book signings, readings, lectures)?
image    Can you tell me where I can (register to vote, get an absentee ballot, pay my taxes)?
image    Where do I sign up for___________(ESL classes, the business series, the children’s program)?
image    Is there a fee for that?
image    Do you offer business classes? Can you tell me where else I might find them?
image    Do you provide help with résumé writing?
image    If I attend a lecture, do you offer___________(babysitting, child care)?
Idioms and Other Vocabulary
Absentee ballot: system where people can mail in their vote because they will be away when voting takes place where they vote
Audiobooks: books that you can listen to from recordings on cassette tapes or CDs
Babysitting: service in which qualified people are hired to care for children while their parents are attending library programs
Book club: group where people read the same book or author and meet to discuss what they have read
Book drop: place to return books that are on time, not overdue
Book signings: events at which authors autograph or sign books for sale that they have written
Branch: location, some libraries have several branches
Broad array: a wide range, many choices.
Check it out (also take it out): remove from the library, with permission, to read and then return to the library
Citizenship classes: classes to help people prepare to take the citizenship test
Due: the date when the book must be returned to the library
E-book: book in a digital format (nonpaper)
ESL, ESOL: English as a Second Language, English for Speakers of Other Languages
Fine: A small amount of money, usually figured out by each day late, that you pay to the library when you don’t return a book on time.
Foreign-language books: books printed in your language or another language other than English (In addition to reading in English, which you are learning, you may need or want to read something in your language.)
Function: work as
Highly trained: trained carefully for the work they do
Large-print book: book printed in larger than usual type (These books are easier to read for older people and people with vision problems.)
Librarians: people who have studied and have degrees in library science
Loan (also lend): give someone a book or other library media that must be returned
Occasional: happening or occurring sometimes
Overdue: late, after the time it should be returned
Partner with: join with, do together with
Reference book: book with specific information needed for many people to use at the library (Examples are a book of maps [atlas], a dictionary, and an encyclopedia.)
Register to vote: sign up to vote in elections
Restrooms: bathrooms, men’s and ladies’ rooms (The word toilets is used for these rooms in many countries but is not accepted as a polite way to say it in the United States.)
Résumé: a written description of educational and work experience used when applying for work
Self-help: materials to help or learn by yourself, on your own, without a teacher or a class
Sites: locations where something happened or is happening
Story hours: programs for young children in which a library employee reads stories to groups of children
Unlimited: without a set beginning or end
Waiting list: a list of names of people who want a book that is unavailable because someone has checked it out of the library (If you are on a waiting list, the library will call you or send you an e-mail when the book becomes available.)
Part 3 Notes Section
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